As the Republican Party grapples with internal strife, GOP lawmakers are now openly campaigning against their colleagues in at least four primary races in South Carolina, Illinois, Texas, and Virginia. This new development has further inflamed tensions within a party still reeling from the unexpected removal of Kevin McCarthy from his leadership position in the House.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed his frustration with the situation. Speaking at the House GOP retreat in West Virginia, Johnson urged his colleagues to cease their infighting, arguing that it is counterproductive and divisive.
However, Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who is leading the campaign against GOP incumbents Reps. Mike Bost of Illinois and Tony Gonzales of Texas, remains undeterred. Gaetz argues that his actions are justified if Republicans are not upholding the party’s values.
This internal conflict highlights the difficulties the GOP faces in maintaining its slim House majority. The party is divided between hardliners advocating for a no-compromise approach and those who believe in seeking incremental victories in a divided government. These internal feuds, many fear, could jeopardize the party’s ability to retain power.
Among the embattled incumbents is Rep. William Timmons of South Carolina, who is facing opposition from members of the hardline House Freedom Caucus. Meanwhile, other House Republicans, including House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers, are supporting primary challenges against their colleagues.
Despite the escalating tensions, GOP leaders, including Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have urged members to refrain from supporting primary challenges against each other. However, their pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears as Gaetz continues to rally support for primary challengers in Texas.
As the GOP grapples with these internal conflicts, the party’s ability to present a united front ahead of the primaries remains uncertain. The ongoing feuds not only expose the divisions within the party but also raise questions about its ability to effectively govern and retain power.
Contributors to this report include Sheden Tesfaldet, Christine Park, Morgan Rimmer, and Haley Talbot.